Physical and numerical modelling of a four-strand steelmaking tundish using flow analysis of different configurations
JH Cloete, G Akdogan, SM Bradshaw, DK Chibwe
Modern tundishes have evolved as vessels to serve as the final step in
refining of molten steel by removing inclusions and promoting thermochemical
homogeneity.
In this study the flow behaviour in a four-strand tundish was
investigated by means of a ½-scale water model as well as numerical
modelling. The numerical and physical models were used to characterize
residence time distribution and calculate properties pertaining to tundish
flow regime. Three different tundish configurations were investigated: a
bare tundish with no flow control devices, a tundish with a turbulence
inhibitor, and a tundish with both a turbulence inhibitor and a dam.
The physical and numerical models showed that a tundish without
flow control devices is prone to significant short-circuiting. A tundish with
a turbulence inhibitor was shown to be successful in preventing shortcircuiting
and provided surface-directed flow that might assist the removal
of inclusions from the melt. However, it was also observed that the
upward-directed flow caused the maximum turbulence kinetic energy near
the surface to increase dramatically. The potential for slag entrainment
should therefore be considered during the design and operation of
tundishes with turbulence inhibitors.
Keywords: tundish, steelmaking, CFD, physical modelling, numerical modelling.